Rhipsalis Plant Named &#39;RUITSWEET&#39;

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct  Rhipsalis  cultivar named ‘RUITSWEET’ is disclosed, characterized by strong basal shoot production, prolific branching, compact and study form, and unique red/brown color, especially in the sun. The new variety is a  Rhipsalis , typically produced as an ornamental plant.

LATIN NAME OF THE GENUS AND SPECIES

Rhipsalis clavata

VARIETY DENOMINATION

‘RUITSWEET’

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This application relates to a new cultivar of Rhipsalis. The new varietyis the product of chance discovery, by the inventor. Jacco de Ruiter.The new variety originated as a naturally occurring whole plant mutationfrom the unpatented commercial variety Rhipsalis clavata.

The new variety was first selected by the inventor, in the breeder'scommercial greenhouse in Nieuwerkerk, Netherlands during 2009. Afteridentifying the new variety as a potentially interesting selection, theinventor continued confidential testing and propagation of ‘RUITSWEET’,assessing stability of the unique characteristics of this variety.

Asexual reproduction of the new cultivar ‘RUITSWEET’ was first performedat the breeder's commercial greenhouse in Nieuwerkerk, Netherlands byvegetative cuttings in 2010. Access to all plants was restricted, asplants were kept in a greenhouse not open to the public. Throughsubsequent propagation, around 6 generations have been reproduced, whichhave shown that the unique features of this cultivar are stable andreproduced true to type.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The cultivar ‘RUITSWEET’ has not been observed under all possibleenvironmental conditions. The phenotype may vary somewhat withvariations in environment such as temperature, day length, and lightintensity, without, however, any variance in genotype.

The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined tobe the unique characteristics of ‘RUITSWEET.’ These characteristics incombination distinguish ‘RUITSWEET’ as a new and distinct Rhipsaliscultivar:

-   -   1. Strong basal shoot production.    -   2. Prolific branching.    -   3. Compact and study plant.    -   4. Special red/brown color, especially in sunny conditions.

PARENT COMPARISON

Plants of the new cultivar ‘RUITSWEET’ are similar to the parent in mosthorticultural characteristics. However the new variety, ‘RUITSWEET’differs from the parent in the following characteristics:

-   -   1. Shorter branches.    -   2. Thinner branches.    -   3. Studier branches.    -   4. More branches.

COMMERCIAL COMPARISON

‘RUITSWEET’ is best compared to the seed parent.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

The accompanying photograph in FIG. 1 illustrates in full color atypical plant of ‘RUITSWEET’ grown in a commercial greenhouse inNieuwerkerk, Netherlands. The plant is 6 months old from a rootedcutting, in a 13 cm pot.

FIG. 2 is a closeup of the foliage.

The photographs were taken using conventional techniques and althoughcolors may appear different from actual colors due to light reflectanceit is as accurate as possible by conventional photographic techniques.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

In the following description, color references are made to The RoyalHorticultural Society Colour Chart 2007, except where general terms ofordinary dictionary significance are used. The following observationsand measurements describe a typical plant of ‘RUITSWEET’ grown in acommercial greenhouse in Nieuwerkerk, Netherlands. The plant is 6 monthsold from a rooted cutting, in a 13 cm pot. Temperatures ranged between20° C. and 32° C. during the day 10° C. and 20° C. at night. Nosupplemental lighting was given. Measurements and numerical valuesrepresent averages of typical plant types.

-   Botanical classification: Rhipsalis clapata ‘RUITSWEET’-   Propagation:    -   -   First propagation method.—Vegetative cuttings.        -   Type of propagation typically used.—Vegetative cuttings.        -   Root description.—Fibrous.-   Plant:    -   -   Growth habit.—Mounding, then weeping.        -   Height.—Approximately 10 cm to top of highest leaf.        -   Plant spread.—Approximately 12 cm in an 11 cm pot.        -   Growth rate.—Moderate.        -   Stem.—No stem, all lateral branches.        -   Branching characteristics.—Quantity Lateral Branches:            Approximately 150 on an 11 cm pot Diameter: Average 0.25 cm            Length: Average range 1.5 to 3.0 cm Angle of attachment:            Average angle about 45° Aspect: Straight Internode length:            Average range about 1.0 cm to 4.0 Color: Immature: Nodes            colored near RHS Greyed-Red 181B. Young branches near RHS            Yellow-Green 151A, flushed with RHS Greyed-Red 178C. Mature:            Near RHS Green 146C.-   Foliage:    -   -   Leaf.—True leaves are appressed scales. Highly reduced on            this variety to either none at the node or miniscule.            Arrangement: Rosette Average Length: Approximately 1 mm.            Average Width: Approximately 0.5 mm Shape of blade: Narrow            deltoid Apex: Acute Base: Blunt Margin: Entire Quantity of            leaves per node: Typically 2 Color: Near RHS Yellow-Green            150D Venation: Reduced structure is too minute to measure.-   Flower: Bud production and flower production not been observed to    date.-   Reproductive organs: Not observed due to lack of flower production.-   Other characteristics:    -   -   Disease and pest resistance.—Plants resist aphid,            caterpillars and thrips. Neither resistance nor            susceptibility to normal diseases of Rhipsalis has been            observed in this variety.        -   Drought tolerance and temperature tolerance.—Drought            tolerant succulent. Tolerates a temperature range from            approximately 5° C. to approximately 40° C.        -   Fruit/seed production.—Fruits and seeds have not been            observed to date.

What is claimed is:
 1. A new and distinct cultivar of Rhipsalis plantnamed ‘RUITSWEET’ as herein illustrated and described.